Audition Guidelines

Auditions for mainstage shows are open to all students at Wakefield High School, Wakefield North 9th grade center. Middle and elementary schools students are auditioned as necessary for production needs.

Prior to auditions – Find a copy of the script, read the play, and become familiar with the characters. Directors generally have scripts available and may provide a brief synopsis of available roles.

Dress and Appearance – This is a job interview (of sorts) – dress appropriately. Select clothing that reinforces your confidence. It should be flattering and comfortable and fall within the student dress code for Wake County Public School System. Avoid bulky, loose clothing that might interfere with your movement and mask your physicality. Wear comfortable, lightweight shoes rather than boots or heels. Your hair should be held back away from your face.

Initial Audition – You will be asked to complete an audition form that includes past stage experience and your schedule. During your audition, the director(s) will be considering you in the context of the play being cast – make the best first impression you can. The director(s) will be listening to your vocal quality, accessing your stage presence and projection, and observing your movement. Be prepared to answer questions from the director(s).

Audition Material – Students should come to the audition with material PREPARED! This means completely memorized with pertinent research completed to portray a character to its fullest degree.

Prepared Monologue Guidelines

Content:

Select two contrasting monologues. One from a modern, published play and one Shakespeare or classical play. Choose a character with whom you identify. The monologues should be completely memorized and no longer than one minute in length each. The monologues should allow for vocal and emotional variety as well as variety of movement. Do not use self-written material; it generally does not give you an opportunity to portray a character and provides less dramatic impact than a proven play.

Avoid excessive strong language and profanity.

Musical Theatre GuidelinesContent:
Select two contrasting songs from traditional musical theatre literature. One should be an “up tempo” song the other should be a “ballad”. Prepare the whole song but be ready to sing only 16 bars. Be sure to select the best 16 bars to show your range and vocal abilities. Bring your music in the correct key and clearly marked for the accompanist. Remember the accompanist is your friend!

Presentation:

– “Prepared” means rehearsed and fully memorized!

– Performance energy and stage presence are important.

– Incorporate appropriate gestures and facial expression.

– Motivated movement during the audition is desirable.

– Avoid using chairs and other props unless absolutely necessary.

– Avoid sitting or kneeling on the stage.

– Use standard stage English. Avoid accents and dialects.

Callbacks – The director(s) will use this opportunity to have auditionees read from scenes from the play being cast. Directors call back auditionees based on the information from the audition form plus observations from the initial audition including but not limited to:

– Availability and compatibility of schedule

– Past experiences with particular attention to those at Wakefield

– Vocal and physical characteristics

– Stage presence and projection

– Appropriateness for the character being cast

– Willingness to grow, cut, or dye hair

Casting – This is a highly subjective process involving artistic choices that are influenced by many factors including but not limited to:

– The factors listed under callbacks.

– Compatibility with the ensemble in terms of physicality and interpersonal “chemistry”.

– Demonstrated ability to take direction during callbacks.

– The artistic judgment of the director(s).

If you are not cast, please consider the number of factors that led to the director’s decision. Everyone who has ever auditioned, including most directors, knows the anxiety of auditioning and the pain of not being cast.